First Look: Hevi-Metal Xtreme Waterfowl Loads

by
posted on August 8, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
MAIN Hevi Metal Xtreme

Hevi-Shot has launched a new product line for waterfowl hunting: the all-new Hevi-Metal Xtreme. These loads feature a layer of Hevi-Shot’s original 12 g/cc Hevi-XII tungsten pellets (30 percent) stacked over steel pellets (70 percent) in the same shell. The new loads also feature the Flitecontrol Flex wad for consistent long-range patterns with high velocities. These new loads are available in four total options, in both 12- and 20-gauge.

“For 2023, Hevi-Metal Xtreme is our new product that I am most enthusiastic about,” said Hevi-Shot product manager Scott Turner. “Our original Hevi-Shot 12g/cc density tungsten shot stacked on top of precision steel pellets certainly makes for a powerful load. That leading layer of 12 g/cc density tungsten hits 53-percent harder than the steel layer.”

Two product design elements really combine to drive Hevi-Metal Xtreme's performance. The dense, 12 g/cc tungsten pellets are three shot sizes smaller than the steel pellets to ensure the two layers of different shot types have similar downrange performance. The Flightcontrol Flex wad, meanwhile, is a rear-braking wad designed to improve pattern density and consistency. It can be used with any steel-rated choke—ported or non-ported alike.

“We took our Pattern Density Technology one leap forward by utilizing the venerable Flitecontrol Flex wad,” continued Turner. “I think the Flightcontrol Flex wad is the magic ingredient that makes this load even more impressive. I am extremely confident that any hunter that tries it will agree.”

Hevi-Metal Xtreme consists of four total load options, which are: 12-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/4-ounce at 1,450 fps (No. 4 tungsten and No. 1 steel); 12-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/4-ounce at 1,450 fps (No. 6 tungsten and No. 3 steel); 20-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/16-ounce at 1,350 fps (No. 4 tungsten and No. 1 steel); and 20-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/16-ounce at 1,350 fps (No. 6 tungsten and No. 3 steel).

For more information on these new shotshells, available in 25-round boxes, check out hevishot.com. MSRP: $59.99

Latest

W H2026 06 Hardware W3814 TAH 2879Lead
W H2026 06 Hardware W3814 TAH 2879Lead

Hardware Review: Hornady 338 ARC

Looking for a cartridge that's easy to suppress, but still hits hard? Check out the 338 ARC, from Hornady. Jeff Johnston gives a thorough review of the cartridge here.

New for 2026: Steelhead Outdoors Stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker

Steelhead Outdoors engineered a stackable Vertical Door Handgun Locker similar to storage systems used by law-enforcement agencies.

Clemson University Conservation Program Reaches Endowment Goal

The Boone and Crockett Club recently announced the wildlife conservation program at Clemson University has reached its $5 million endowment goal. Thanks to more than a decade of fundraising and support led by club member Johnny Evans—and other key contributors—the studies at the school focusing on sound, scientific wildlife conservation will continue into the future.

Know How: First Guns for Junior Shooters

Curious what gun to start out a junior shooter on? Bryce Towsley is a man with experience. Read on for some tips on what to get the young hunter in your life.

New for 2026: Kent Cartridge Southern Reserve Dove

Kent Cartridge introduces Southern Reserve Dove, a purpose-built load designed for fast shooting and performance in the dove fields.

#SundayGunday: Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Springfield's SA-35 4” maintains the “wood and steel” vibes of yesteryear, with a blued finish on the gun’s carbon steel, and checkered walnut grips. Curious about this updated version of a true classic? Check out this exclusive edition of #SundayGunday.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.